Doctors and hospitals have been inundated with pitches from people selling medical equipment like N95 respirator masks, according to an article on the Northjersey.com website.
Healthcare facilities also contend with escalating costs, with some vendors raising equipment prices tenfold or more.
Some companies have been selling equipment that's substandard or not certified by the federal government.
That has led a state senator to propose legislation to increase criminal penalties for people selling counterfeit medical equipment during an emergency.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems